Last Call for Congress Evaluation Questionnaire
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Declaration of Barcelona · The Benefits of Nuts on Cardiovascular Health
Results of the INC Symposium Nuts and Cardiovascular Health
Barcelona (Spain), 4 March 2010
As the results of the INC Symposium “Nuts and Cardiovascular Health” held on March 4th, 2010, in Barcelona, Spain, within the frame of the 2nd Congress of the Federation of Societies of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics (FESNAD), the moderators and guest speakers of the session concluded a declaration on the benefits of consumption of nuts on cardiovascular health.
The benefits of nuts on cardiovascular health
- Nuts are a whole food that has been consumed by humans throughout history.
- Nuts are energy-dense foods, rich in total fat and unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. In nuts, the whole is greater than the parts.
- Nuts are among the whole foods with a more impressive body of scientific evidence supporting beneficial effects on cardiovascular and other health outcomes.
- Large prospective studies have consistently associated frequent nut consumption with a reduced incidence of fatal and non fatal coronary heart disease.
- Incorporating all types of nuts into the diet has a consistent cholesterol lowering effect that is dose related and more pronounced in persons with higher baseline cholesterol or lower body mass index.
- Nut consumption decreases triglyceride levels in persons with hipertriglyceridemia.
- Nuts reduce the postprandial glycaemic response when consumed with high-glycaemic index carbohydrate foods in both normoglycaemic subjects and type 2 diabetic patients.
- The reduction in coronary heart disease associated with nut consumption depends on mechanisms other than cholesterol lowering, as nuts have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, oxidative and inflammatory processes, and vascular reactivity.
- Both epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that frequent nut intake is not associated with weight gain or worsening diabetes control.
- The daily inclusion of a handful of nuts in the usual diet can be of benefit for healthy individuals and those with hypercholesterolemia and type 2 diabetes.
Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó - University Rovira i Virgili (Spain)
Dr. Emilio Ros - Lipids Unit, Barcelona Hospital Clinic (Spain)
Prof. Miguel A. Martínez-González - University of Navarra (Spain)
Dr. Joan Sabaté - Loma Linda University (USA)
Prof. Linda C. Tapsell - University of Wollongong (Australia)
INC Exhibits at IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo
Representatives of the food and beverage industry will meet at the Institute of Food Technologists’ Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago, USA, from 17 to 20 July 2010. Professionals involved in both the science and the business of food - experts from around the world from industry, academia, and government – will hear about the latest food science and technology developments, the very latest trends, the newest products, and the most recent scientific innovations.
If you plan to visit IFT come by our booth (number 5878) or contact us at +34 977 331 413 or e-mail inc@nutfruit.org.
We look forward to welcome you on our stand!
www.am-fe.ift.org/cms
Detection Techniques for Mycotoxins and Toxigenic Fungi in the Food Chain
MycoRed Project · On line Training Course
Students and researchers from all countries can apply to participate at the joint MycoRed-ISM training course: "Detection techniques for mycotoxin and toxigenic fungi in the food chain" from 4 to 8 October 2010. A one-week workshop-training course to be held at ISPA-CNR in Bari, Italy, under the aegis of the MycoRed project and ISM (International Society for Mycotoxicology).
The goal of the course is to demonstrate and teach traditional methods and new molecular, chemical and immunological systems for rapid, robust and user friendly identification of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi in the food chain. Much of the course will be spent on practical training in the laboratory. On line participants will attend some sessions, using an easy e-learning platform to follow the lessons and interact with instructors and other attendees.
Brochure Training Course
Food industry concerned: general function claims fail to pass EFSA criteria
Parma (Italy), 1 June 2010
The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), mandated by the European Commission (EC) to evaluate health claims on foods, organized on June 1st 2010 in Parma a Technical Meeting with Stakeholders on Recent Developments Related to Health Claims.
Ms. Mella Frewen, Director General of CIAA (Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the EU), reviewed the situation from the Industry point of view.The CIAA prepared a list of 776 article 13.1 claims with food companies, sector associations, and national federations, collating supporting evidence and having the claims screened by independent scientific experts.
The first batch of opinions adopted by EFSA on October 1st 2009, included 91 of the claims submitted by CIAA and 78 were positive (86%). The second batch adopted 25th February 2010 included 40 CIAA claims of which only 4 were positive (10%). This trend should raise industry concerns since the remaining 645 claims submitted by CIAA are unsure to successfully pass the EFSA panel. EFSA is planning to release the remaining opinions by December 2011 in 4 successive batches, the next one in September 2010.
The regulation on nutrition and health claims on foods
Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 –nutrition and health claims on foods- entered into effect July 1st 2007, aimed at achieving a high level of consumer protection, improve the free movement of goods, increase legal security for economic operators, and ensure fair competition. Health claims are defined as "any claim that states, suggests, or implies that a relationship exists between a food category, a food, or one of its constituents and health".
With a deadline of January 31st 2008, stakeholders had to produce documentation to define, substantiate, and demonstrate the health benefits claimed for each food/nutrient. At the time, article 13.1 seemed the most appropriate application for general function claims. Article 14 claims on the other hand are associated with the reduction of disease risk or children’s development and health.
As directed in paragraph 26 “Health claims (other than those referring to Article 14 claims), based on generally accepted scientific evidence, should undergo a different type of assessment and authorization”. However, EFSA clearly stated that “EFSA’s scientific criteria for evaluation for Art 13 and article 14 health claims is the same”.
EFSA criteria for claims and further guidance
Originally 44,000 Article 13.1 claims were submitted to the EC by Member States. After consolidation and amendments a list of 4,637 claims was to be evaluated. To date EFSA has evaluated 930 general function claims and adopted 125 opinions.
Health claims pertaining to pro-biotics, antioxidants, and beta glucan for example, which are generally considered beneficial, were found lacking and rejected. Some of the main reasons why claims were not deemed to be substantiated included: insufficient characterization of the food or constituent; lack of evidence that the claimed effect is indeed beneficial for health; poor quality scientific evidence; and sometimes inappropriate target groups.
What’s next for the Food Industry
For rejected article 13.1 claims, those that are general function health claims based on generally accepted scientific evidence, there is no re-submission option. There appears however to be another avenue, provided there is new or emerging data or proprietary data added to the claim, to submit an article 13.5 claim. Article 13.5 claims are “new function” claims based on new scientific evidence and/or for which protection of proprietary data is requested. These claims are submitted by identified business operators.
In view of the emerging information gathered from rejected article 13.1 claims, applicants don’t feel confident they can get their claims approved on the basis of the information originally submitted, and new data for existing claims cannot be submitted. Approximately 300 claims have already been withdrawn. Withdrawn claims can then be submitted with a full article 13.5 dossier with more complete data and updated with the research published over the last 3 years. Although EFSA recognizes that a surge in article 13.5 claims may affect their target deadline of December 31st 2011, they recommended this option.
Although the body of scientific evidence supporting many of the claims submitted does not meet the criteria applied, EFSA recognizes that a negative opinion does not mean that the claim is not valid, but rather that it does not meet their criteria. EFSA has also mentioned that consistent criteria for the potential sources of scientific data may not be available for all health claims. It is unclear how the EC would allow a claim that has been rejected by EFSA, and unknown what recourse business operators have for rejected claims.
By Dr. Cameon Ivarsson, Director of NAPASOL AG, Member of the INC Scientific and Government Affairs Committee
INC Participates In Meeting of FAO Committee on Commodity Problems
Rome (Italy), 14–16 June 2010
The INC has recently participated, for the first time, as official observer in a meeting of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). CCP’s responsibility is to keep commodity problems of an international character affecting production, trade, distribution, consumption and related economic matters under review.
A selection of some of the issues discussed by CCP members includes the following:
- World Trade Organization (WTO) - update
An overview on the state-of-play of the ongoing Doha Round–negotiations of the WTO was presented by the CCP Secretariat. It was noted that several issues are currently standing in the way of an agreement between WTO members, including “blue box” domestic support measures, the concept of “sensitive products”, tariff caps, “special products”, “special safeguard mechanisms”, etc. However, there are also a number of positive developments, including the fact that the importance of an agreement in terms of its effect on trade and development is generally accepted by all WTO members.
“Multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO”
- Foreign investment in developing country agriculture
The CCP Secretariat presented a paper discussing the recent surge in foreign investment in developing country agriculture. Acquisitions of agricultural land in Africa have attracted most attention, but are just one of a variety of actual or planned investment flows with different motivations. The CCP Secretariat presented a number of policy options reconcile the investment objectives of investors with the investment needs of developing countries.
“Foreign investment in developing country agriculture: issues, policy implications and international response”
- Functioning of the CCP and its Intergovernmental Commodity Groups (IGGs)
There are currently nine IGGs: Rice; Grains; Citrus fruit; Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres; Oilseeds, Oils and Fats; Bananas and Tropical Fruits; Hard Fibres; Tea; and Meat and Dairy Products. Their function is to provide a forum for consultations on economic aspects of the production, consumption, marketing and trade for the commodity concerned and for review of related policies. It was noted that the limited scope for involvement of private sector interests constitutes a major weakness of the IGGs, especially since commodity trade is now largely a private sector affair.
The INC will closely monitor any efforts undertaken to promote the involvement of the private sector in the activities of the CCP and IGGs, and will provide its full assistance and cooperation to the CCP and IGG Secretariats to ensure the effective representation of the interests of the global nuts and dried fruits industry in these forums.
Background document: “Roles and working arrangements of the Committee on Commodity Problems and the Intergovernmental Commodity Groups
If you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the INC secretariat.
EFSA Stakeholder Consultative Platform Meeting
Parma (Italy), 22 June 2010
The INC has recently attended the EFSA Stakeholder Consultative Platform Meeting, held in Parma, Italy, on June 22nd, 2010. Ms. Geslain-Lanéelle, EFSA Executive Director, presented the recent output of EFSA’s various Scientific Panels:
- CONTAM Panel (Contaminants in the food chain): adoption of an opinion on lead in food, melamine and ochratoxin A.
- DATEX Panel: adoption of a report on the exposure of young children to lead, chromium, selenium and food colors.
- NDA (Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies): organization of the technical meeting with stakeholders on recent developments related to health claims.
- PRAPeR (Pesticide risk assessment peer review): adoption of 11 pesticide peer review conclusion reports; adoption of 18 reasoned opinions regarding 21 routine MRL applications; and issuing of one urgent EFSA statement on chlormequat in Indian table grapes.
EFSA is to issue new guidance on submissions for food additive evaluations, which will clarify administrative, technical and biological and toxicological data requirements for application dossiers, by July 2011.
The re-evaluation process of food additives is based on Commission Regulation 257/2010, and involves the issue of a public call for data on preservatives and antioxidants, and emulsifiers, stabilizers and gelling agents.
EFSA aims to finalize the re-evaluation of food colors by 2010; preservatives and antioxidants by 2013; remaining food colors before 2015; miscellaneous food additives by 2016; emulsifiers, stabilizers and gelling agents by 2018; and sweeteners by 2020.
Mr. Djien Liem, Head of the Scientific Committee and Advisory Forum Unit, provided an overview of the activities of an internal taskforce, which was created earlier this year with the aim of identifying trends and developments in the assessment of the health risks presented by endocrine active substances (EAS); identifying risk communication and risk perception issues; and drafting a technical report clarifying the state-of-play regarding EAS. Mr. Nico van Belzen, International Life Sciences Institute, argued that EAS are extremely potent; however, they only cause harm when a certain threshold is exceeded, which means that a safe limit can be established.
NEW SCIENTIFIC & REGULATORY ISSUES ON THE INC WEBSITE
Scientific Studies
Regulatory Issues
DATA RELEASE
- USDA Crop Production
Released June 10, 2010, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- USDA Agricultural Trade Data
The Economic Research Service (ERS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently updated its “US Agricultural Trade Data”, including statistical information regarding imports and exports of major agricultural commodities:
www.ers.usda.gov
| MONITORING FOOD LAW AND TRADE |
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EUROPEAN UNION |
European Parliament Votes on Food Labeling
The European Parliament this week voted on draft EU legislation laying down labeling rules for foodstuffs sold in the EU. The discussion was based on the report by MEP Renate Sommer (EPP) on the EU Commission’s proposal for a “Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers”. According to the draft legislation as adopted by the European Parliament, food labels should indicate quantities of fat, saturates, sugar and salt, as well as energy, on the front of food packs. These should be accompanied by guideline daily amounts and expressed with per 100g or per 100ml values. The Parliament also voted for details of protein, fibers and transfats to be included elsewhere on the packaging. The Parliament rejected a proposal for 'traffic light' values to highlight the salt, sugar and fat content of processed foods. It is expected that the draft legislation will return to Parliament for a second reading. Once the legislation is adopted, food business will have three years to adapt to the rules. Smaller operators, with fewer than 100 employees and an annual turnover under €5 million would have five years to comply.
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers.
EU · Suspension of Autonomous Tariff Duties – Sweetened Dried Cranberries
Council Regulation 566/2010 on the temporary suspension of autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties on certain industrial, agricultural and fishery products has been published in OJ L 163.
The Regulation totally suspends the autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties on i.a.:
• Sweetened dried cranberries from 1 July 2010 until 31 December 2014
Tariff suspensions allow EU businesses to bring in supplies from outside the EU for a limited period, without having to pay normal Common Customs Tariff duties, aiming i.a. to stimulate economic activity within the Community; to improve the competitiveness of businesses; and to create jobs. Suspensions are only granted temporarily and for specific economic reasons in the general interest of the EU. In principle, only raw materials, semi-finished goods or components not available within the Community can benefit from a suspension. Requests for suspensions are submitted by the Member States on behalf of EU producers. Applicants should indicate that they have tried, without success, to obtain the products or equivalent or substitute goods from suppliers in the Community or a third country with preferential tariff arrangements. The Council adopts multiannual regulations granting suspensions, updated every six months to take account of new requests and technical or economic trends in products and markets.
EU DG TRADE · Public Consultation on the Future of EU Trade Policy
The European Commission has recently launched a broad public consultation on the future direction of EU trade policy. The Commission's intention is to set out its policy during autumn 2010, explaining how trade policy can help achieve the objectives of the “Europe 2020” Strategy. The purpose of this consultation is to gather views from relevant stakeholders regarding the rationale, scope and strategic objectives for a future EU trade policy. The consultation is open to all stakeholders within the EU and in third countries.
The questionnaire raises a number of issues that are at the heart of the debate on EU's trade policy, including the geographical scope of the EU’s current free trade agreement-negotiations; regulatory differences having the effect of barriers to trade in the EU’s strategic trading partners (the US, Russia, China, Japan...) and global regulatory convergence; sustainable trade; sustainable EU agriculture; etc.
Closing date of the consultation is 28 July 2010. The Commission services will prepare a report on the Consultation which will be published on DG Trade's website. The questionnaire is available at http://ec.europa.eu.
EU · Active Substances
Sulfuryl Fluoride
Commission Directive 2010/38 amending Council Directive 91/414 to include sulfuryl fluoride as active substance has been published in OJ L 154. The Directive adds sulfuryl fluoride in Annex I to Council Directive 91/414, which establishes the list of active substances authorized for use in the EU. Only uses as insecticide/nematicide (fumigant) applied by professional users in sealable structures (a) which are empty; or (b) where conditions of use ensure that consumer exposure is acceptable, may be authorized.
Member States shall adopt and publish by 28 February 2011 at the latest the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive. They shall apply those provisions from 1 March 2011. They shall, where necessary, amend or withdraw existing authorizations for plant protection products containing sulfuryl fluoride as active substance by 28 February 2011.
In the case of a product containing sulfuryl fluoride as the only active substance, authorizations shall be amended or withdrawn by 29 February 2012 at the latest. In the case of a product containing sulfuryl fluoride as one of several active substances, authorizations shall be amended or withdrawn by 29 February 2012, or by the date fixed for such an amendment or withdrawal in the respective Directive or Directives which added the relevant substance or substances to Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC, whichever is the latest.
Commission Directive 2010/38/EU of 18 June 2010 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include sulfuryl fluoride as active substance.
Confirmation of Inclusion in Annex I to Directive 91/414
Commission Directive 2010/39 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414 as regards specific provisions relating to the active substances clofentezine, diflubenzuron, lenacil, oxadiazon, picloram and pyriproxyfen, has been published in OJ L 156.
The Directive confirms the inclusion of clofentezine, diflubenzuron, lenacil, oxadiazon, picloram and pyriproxyfen in Annex I to Council Directive 91/414 (which establishes the list of active substances authorized for use in the EU) as per Directive 2008/69, but includes specific provisions requiring Member States, when authorizing those substances, to pay particular attention to certain points or to ensure that appropriate risk mitigation measures are taken. In addition, the Directive lays down certain requirements as to the information submitted by the substances’ notifiers.
Member States shall adopt and publish, by 31 December 2010 at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive. They shall apply those provisions from 1 January 2011.
Commission Directive 2010/39/EU of 22 June 2010 amending Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC as regards the specific provisions relating to the active substances clofentezine, diflubenzuron, lenacil, oxadiazon, picloram and pyriproxyfen.
EU · Official Controls · Cyprus
Commission Decision 2010/313 authorizing physical checks pursuant to Regulation 669/2009 (on the increased level of official controls on imports of certain feed and food of non-animal origin) to be carried out at approved premises of feed and food business operators in Cyprus, has been published in OJ L 140.
Regulation 699/2009 foresees that the Commission, upon the request of a Member State, may authorize the competent authorities of certain designated points of entry, operating under specific geographical constraints, to carry out the physical checks at the premises of a feed or a food business operator, subject to certain conditions. In 2009, Cyprus referred to the specific geographical situation of the designated points of entry of Larnaca Airport and Limassol Port, as well as to the small size of the island, and requested the Commission to authorize the competent authorities of those points of entry to carry out the physical checks at the premises of certain feed and food business operators.
Commission Decision 2010/313 authorizes the competent authorities of the designated points of entry of Larnaca Airport and Limassol Port in Cyprus to do so, provided a number of conditions, set out in Regulation 699/2009, are met. The list of feed and food business operators whose premises are approved by Cyprus shall be made publicly available on the internet.
Commission Decision of 7 June 2010 authorizing physical checks pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 669/2009 to be carried out at approved premises of feed and food business operators in Cyprus.
EU · San Marino Customs Union
“Omnibus” Decision no 1/2010 of the EU - San Marino Cooperation Committee of 29 March 2010 has been published in OJ L 156.
The Decision establishes various implementing measures for the Agreement on Cooperation and Customs Union between the European Economic Community and the Republic of San Marino. The Decision lays down i.a. that the Republic of San Marino shall apply the customs legislation of the EU as it applies in the EU, and in particular the Community Customs Code and its implementing provisions; the customs territory of the EU and the territory of the Republic of San Marino shall be considered a single customs territory. The Decision further lays down that the practical arrangements for applying legislation of the Union on food safety and veterinary and phytosanitary matters shall be agreed by the European Commission departments and the authorities of the Republic of San Marino.
The Decision establishes a list of customs offices of the EU authorized to carry out customs clearance of goods destined for the Republic of San Marino. Customs clearance operations relating to exports may be carried out at all Italian customs offices, with the exception of formalities which are carried out in customs procedures with economic impact and formalities which concern the export of arms, works of art, precursors and dual-use products, which must be carried out at the offices and sub-offices listed in the Annex to the Decision.
The provisions of the Decision apply as of 29 March 2010.
‘Omnibus’ Decision No 1/2010 of the EU-San Marino Cooperation Committee of 29 March 2010 establishing various implementing measures for the Agreement on Cooperation and Customs Union between the European Economic Community and the Republic of San Marino.
EFSA · Public Consultation on EFSA’S Role in Plant Health
EFSA has launched a public consultation on a document detailing its actions on the EU Council’s “Guidelines for EC Coordination of Pest Risk Analysis”. This consultation offers all interested parties a chance to comment on EFSA’s role in plant health. Indeed, EFSA believes it is opportune to both clarify and amplify its role within the European phytosanitary framework. Therefore, in consultation with the EFSA Panel on Plant Health, the European Commission and Member States, EFSA has drafted a document entitled “EFSA actions on the guidelines for EC coordination of pest risk analysis process”, and is now inviting comments to this document through its website at www.efsa.europa.eu.
Comments must be submitted on or before 28 July 2010.
EFSA · Pesticide Risk Assessment of Dodine
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently published a document entitled “Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance dodine”. The conclusions laid down in the report were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of dodine as a fungicide on pome fruits and stone fruits (including apple, strawberry and pecan), as proposed by the applicant.
EFSA Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance dodine.
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UNITED STATES |
USA · Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 114, the availability of the final 2010 Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
USDA and HHS are by law required to publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans at least every five years. In 2008, it was decided that science had changed since the 2005 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and that a revision to the current Dietary Guidelines was necessary. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has now finalized its recommendations, which will serve as a basis for the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (to be published later this year). Of note is that the Advisory Committee recommends to “shift food intake patterns to a more plant-based diet that emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds”.
For more information, see www.cnpp.usda.gov.
Written comments on the Committee's report must be submitted on or before 15 July 2010. A public meeting to solicit oral comments on the Report is being held on 8 July 2010 in Washington D.C.
US · Pesticide Petitions
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a notice, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 120, announcing the Agency's receipt of several initial filings of pesticide petitions proposing the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various commodities. Comments must be received on or before 23 July 2010.
US EPA Notice of Receipt of Several Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities.
California Natural Seedless Raisins · Free and Reserve Percentages
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 121, a final rule establishing final volume regulation percentages of 85% free and 15% reserve for the 2009-10 crop of natural (sun-dried) seedless raisins (NS) covered under the Federal Marketing Order for California raisins (crop year began 1 August 2009, and ends 31 July 2010). It was determined that volume regulation was warranted for the 2009-10 crop for only one of the nine raisin varietal types defined under the order.
The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions. According to AMS, volume regulation is warranted for the 2009-10 crop of natural seedless raisins because the crop estimate exceeded the trade demand. Based on the 2009-10 crop year estimate of 275 000 tonnes, the 15% reserve would limit the total free tonnage to 233 750 natural condition tonnes (0.85 x the 275 000 tonne crop). Adding the estimated figure of 41 250 tonnes of raisins offered to handlers through the 10 + 10 program to the 233 750 tonnes of free tonnage, plus 126 824 tonnes of carry-in inventory, plus 12 137 tonnes of 2008-09 NS reserve pool raisins released during the 2009-10 crop year, results in a total supply of 413 961 tonnes of natural condition raisins. With volume regulation, producer prices are expected to be higher than without volume regulation.
US AMS Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2009-10 Crop Natural (Sun-Dried) Seedless Raisins. Federal Register: June 24, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 121).
Quality Regulations for California Walnuts
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 118, a rule inviting comments on revisions to the quality regulations for shelled walnuts under the Federal Marketing Order for California walnuts. The order regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California and is administered locally by the California Walnut Board. Comments were due on July 6, 2010.
This rule would require inspection and certification of shelled walnut after chopping or dicing them into smaller pieces (manufacturing) instead of before manufacturing. Handlers would be allowed to manufacture shelled walnuts into smaller end products without prior inspection; instead, handlers would be required to have all end products inspected. The manufactured pieces equal to or larger than eight sixty-fourths of an inch in diameter would be inspected and certified to existing US commercial grade requirements specified in the US Standards for Shelled Walnuts (Juglans regia). Each end product that passes inspection would be issued an inspection certificate, which would include the actual size of the end product.
According to AMS, these changes would result in more efficient and cost-effective handler operations, and would certify the final size and grade of all manufactured walnut pieces. Indeed, the changes would improve the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for multiple inspections for the same product, and would improve handler efficiencies by eliminating duplicative inventory tracking. Consumers would be better served since each finished end product would be certified to US commercial grade requirements, and accurate size information for each end product would be provided on the individual inspection certificates. Handlers could continue to assure customers that walnut meal is derived from walnuts that have been inspected and certified.
US AMS Walnuts Grown in California; Changes to the Quality Regulations for Shelled Walnuts. Federal Register: June 21, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 118).
US-Brazil Reach Agreement over WTO Cotton Dispute · No Retaliatory Import Duties on US Exports to Brazil
Brazil and the US this week agreed on a framework providing a path forward for a negotiated solution to the countries’ ongoing WTO cotton dispute. The agreement will avoid the application of countermeasures against US exports by Brazil, which were scheduled to go into effect on 21 June 2010.
In 2005 and 2008, the WTO found that certain U.S. agricultural support payments and guarantees are inconsistent with WTO commitments, and authorized Brazil to impose countermeasures against EU exports for a total value of over US$ 800 million.
On 8 March 2010, Brazil announced a final list of products that would face higher tariffs, including food products such as frozen herring, fresh or dried hazelnuts and walnuts, dried grapes, fresh pears, cherries and plums, and mixtures of juices; cars; pharmaceuticals; medical equipment, and household items such as beauty creams, shampoos, soap products and tooth brushes. The agreement that was reached this week avoids the imposition of higher duties on these products, and paves the way towards the solution of the countries’ cotton dispute.
USA · Exemption from Requirement for Residue Tolerance
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a regulation, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 115, establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of sodium 1,4-dialkyl sulfosuccinates including sodium 1,4-dihexyl sulfosuccinate; sodium 1,4-diisobutyl sulfosuccinate; and sodium 1,4-dipentyl sulfosuccinate when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations for pre-harvest and post-harvest uses. The Regulation was effective 16 June 2010.
USA · Pesticide Petitions · (Exemption From) Establishment of Tolerances for Residues
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a notice, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 109, announcing the receipt of several pesticide petitions, proposing the establishment or modification of regulations for residues of pesticide chemicals in or on various food commodities. Among the petitions received is the request by Nichino America to establish a tolerance for residues of the insecticide flubendiamide in or on peanut meal at 0.032 ppm, peanut nutmeat at 0.02 ppm, and pistachios at 0.06 ppm, a.o.
EPA has also received the following requests to establish exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues:
- FBSciences proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol when used as a pesticide inert ingredient in pesticide formulations.
- Croda Inc. proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of polymerized fatty acid esters with aminoalcohol alkoxylates (PFAEAA) under pre- and post-harvest uses when used as a pesticide inert ingredient in pesticide formulations.
- Clariant Corporation proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of 2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, C12-16-alkyl esters, telomers with 1-dodecanethiol, polyethylene-polypropylene glycol ether with propylene glycol monomethacrylate (1:1), and styrene 2,2 -(1,2-diazenediyl)bis[2-methylbutanenitrile]-initiated when used as a pesticide inert ingredient in pesticide formulations.
- Croda Inc. proposes to establish an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of alkoxylated glycerides used to formulate pesticides applied to growing crops or to raw commodities after harvest.
Comments due on 8 July 2010.
In Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 110, EPA has announced the withdrawal of the following pesticide petitions:
- American Agricultural Services: proposal to amend regulations regarding residues of copper 8-quinolinolate when used as an inert ingredient not to exceed 4% by weight in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only;
- Gaylord Chemical Corporation: proposal to amend regulations regarding residues of DMSO when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations for use on edible parts of food and feed crops;
- Henkel Corporation: proposal to amend regulation regarding residues of ([alpha]-alkyl (C10-C16)-[omega]-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene) sulfate and its ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc salts; the poly(oxyethylene) content averages 2 moles minimum when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations applied pre/post harvest or on animals;
- Croda Inc.: request to amend regulations by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of a number of polymerized fatty acid copolymer esters with a minimum number average molecular weight (in amu) 1,200 when used as inert ingredients in pesticide formulations.
EPA has further notified, in Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 110, the receipt of various applications to register pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients, including the application by Nichino America for the active ingredient pyraflufen-ethyl (proposed uses include i.a. grapes, pistachio, tree nuts).
California · Quarantine Areas for European Grapevine Moth
The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a Federal Order establishing quarantine areas for portions of Fresno, Lake, Mendocino, Merced, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties in California for the European grapevine moth (EGVM).It establishes strong regulatory controls for plants and plant products moving interstate that could be infested by the moth. Specifically, the Federal Order defines the criteria for establishing a quarantine area for EGVM; provides a list of plants and plant products that are regulated within the quarantine areas and identifies a number of exemptions; and establishes conditions for the interstate movement of regulated articles out of the quarantine areas.
Any plant, plant part or plant product of i.a. the following are covered by the Order: blackberry, dewberry, European barberry, gooseberries and currants, grape, jujube, and stone fruit.
The Federal Order was issued on June 22, 2010, and became effective immediately.
It can be accessed online at: www.aphis.usda.
OTHER COUNTRIES / REGIONS
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AUSTRALIA · Supply Chain Assistance for Horticulture Exporters |
The Australian Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, this week announced a AUS$ 790 000 supply chain assistance payment for horticulture exporters. The payment to individual exporters will be equivalent to a 40 per cent offset to export fees paid by each exporter during the period 1 July 2009 and 15 September 2009. The one-off assistance payment is aimed to compensate horticulture exporters for the higher export costs faced during this period, and ensure their commitment to reform under the Export Certification Reform Package (ECRP) announced by the Government in November 2009. Horticulture exporters will receive the payments before the end of the financial year. The ECRP reform agenda is the first major overhaul of Australia’s export certification system in more than 20 years, and is aimed at reinvigorating Australia’s export certification system, to cut red tape and to meet changed importing country requirements for a range of agriculture export industries.
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FSANZ · Application for Processing Aid |
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has recently announced that it has accepted an application for the use of a bacteriophage, Preparation P100, by EBI Food Safety, as a processing aid to reduce contamination of Listeria monocytogenes in a variety of foods. The application has been placed on the FSANZ Food Standards Development Work Plan. FSANZ plans to start its assessment of Preparation P100 in late April 2011. The completion of the assessment procedure, including public comments, is foreseen for February 2012; a final rule is expected to be published in July 2012.
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CANADA · New MRLs for Azoxystrobin, Abamectin and Sethoxydin |
Canada has notified to the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) the entry into force, on 3 June 2010, of new maximum residue limits for azoxystrobin, abamectin and sethoxydin, as notified to the WTO on 15 December 2009.
The new maximum residue limits include a.o. the following:
Azoxystrobin:
- Almonds, beechnuts, black walnuts, brazil nuts, butternuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, English walnuts, filberts, hickory nuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans: 0.02 ppm;
- Peanuts: 0.15 ppm;
- Pistachios: 0.55 ppm.
Abamectin:
- Almonds and walnuts: 0.005 ppm;
Sethoxydin:
A complete list of all pesticide MRLs legally established in Canada can be found on the Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides webpage in the Pesticides and Pest Management section of Health Canada's Website (www.hc-sc.gc.ca).
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JAPAN · Revision of MRLs |
Japan has notified a “Revision of the standards and specifications for foods and food additives under the Food Sanitation Law (Revision of Agricultural Chemical Residue Standards)”, proposing a.o. the following maximum residue levels:
Final date for comments is 13 August 2010.
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TAIWAN · New MRLs in Macadamias |
Taiwan announced the entry into force, on 7 June 2010, of amendments to its Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods, which were notified to the WTO on 31 March 2010. The new residue limits include a.o. the following:
-Carbendazim in/or macadamia nuts: 0.1 ppm;
-Cyfluthrin in/or macadamia nuts: 0.01 ppm.
RASFF NOTIFICATIONS
EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed
Weeks 22-26, 2010
Week 22
Week 23
Week 24
Week 25
Week 26
Information Notifications concern a food or feed for which a risk has been identified, but for which the other member states do not have to take immediate action, because the product has not yet reached their market.
Border Rejections concern food and feed consignments that have been tested and rejected at the external borders of the EU and the European Economic Area when a health risk was found. The notifications are transmitted to all EEA border posts in order to reinforce controls and to ensure that the rejected product does not re-enter the Community through another border post.
http://ec.europa.eu
E-mail: inc@nutfruit.org